Billy Graham hospitalized with respiratory problems in North Carolina

Evangelist Billy Graham, who last week celebrated his 95th birthday, has been hospitalized with respiratory problems, NBC News has learned.

The man who helped transform Christianity in America during his seven decades in the pulpit was taken to Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., on Tuesday, NBC affiliate WCNC reported, quoting a hospital spokesperson.

A family spokesperson said Graham should be able to return home in a day or two.

"Mr. Graham is in the hospital with a respiratory congestion issue, similar to what he had a few weeks ago. As was the case then, we expect he will be able to return home in a day or two," Mark DeMoss said.

Graham marked his 95th birthday on Thursday with a rare public appearance among 900 people who gathered to celebrate his life. Among the luminaries in attendance were former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, real estate tycoon Donald Trump and Fox News host Greta Van Susteren.